Import hot dipped galvanized (HDG) and Galvalume activity has been slow in the last couple weeks as uncertainty regarding how much US domestic spot prices will soon soften has most shying away from ordering futures. Even spot activity from traders' on-the-ground imports has slowed as US buyers' inventories remain adequate.
But despite a lack of US interest in current import offers, offshore mills aren't expected to drop their offer prices to the US. Trader sources tell SteelOrbis that Chinese mills in particular overbooked orders at previous prices a few weeks ago, and therefore don't feel inclined to lower prices. However, with futures activity likely to be lethargic at least over the next few weeks, import prices could begin to drift down.
| Import HDG offers to the US | Cwt. | Metric ton (mt) | Net ton (nt) | Change from last week |
| 0.012"x40.875" G30 | ||||
| India* | $47-$48 | $1,036-$1,058 | $940-$960 | neutral |
| China* | $46.50-$47.50 | $1,025-$1,047 | $930-$950 | neutral |
| Mexico** | $46-$47 | $1,014-$1,036 | $920-$940 | neutral |
| 0.019" x 48" G90 | ||||
| China* | $47.50-$48.50 | $1,047-$1,069 | $950-$970 | neutral |
| India* | $47-$48 | $1,036-$1,058 | $940-$960 | neutral |
| Taiwan* | 49.50-$50.50 | $1,091-$1,113 | $990-$1,010 | neutral |
| Import Galvalume offers to the US | ||||
| 0.019x41.5625 Gr80/AZ55 | ||||
| Taiwan* | $48.75-$49.75 | $1,075-$1,097 | $975-$995 | neutral |
| Mexico** | $49-$50 | $1,080-$1,102 | $980-$1,000 | neutral |
| China* | $48-$49 | $1,058-$1,080 | $960-$980 | neutral |
**DDP loaded truck delivered into Houston